COVID-19 Updates

If you suspect you may have novel coronavirus:

If you are feeling unwell with any of the following symptoms:

• Fever, new cough or difficulty breathing (or a combination of these symptoms)?

• Muscle aches, fatigue, headache, sore throat, runny nose or diarrhea? Symptoms in

young children may also be non-specific (for example, lethargy, poor feeding).

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And have experienced any of the following:

• Have you travelled outside of Canada in the last 14 days?

• Does someone you are in close contact with have COVID-19 (for example, someone in your household or workplace)?

• Are you in close contact with a person who is sick with respiratory symptoms (for example, fever, cough or difficulty breathing) who recently travelled outside of Canada?

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If you answered yes to these questions, you should seek clinical assessment for COVID-19 over the phone.

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The majority of COVID-19 illnesses are mild. A clinician can help guide whether you will require further care or potential testing in person. Please use one of the following options:

• Contact your primary care provider (for example, family doctor). Let them know that you have used this self-assessment tool.

• Contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 and speak with a registered nurse. Let them know that you have used this self-assessment tool.

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If you start to experience worsening symptoms, please visit your local emergency department. Call before you go and let them know you have used this self-assessment tool.

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If you answered no to these questions, it is unlikely that you have COVID-19.

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You should:

• Continue to monitor your health for a full 14 days after your return to Ontario or have contact with someone who is ill. If you develop any new symptoms, please seek clinical assessment and testing for COVID-19.

• Learn more about self-monitoring.

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How do I self-isolate?

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If you are caring for or living with someone who has the virus, you are considered a ‘close contact’. The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit (613-345-5685) will give you special instructions about how to monitor your own health, what to do if you start to feel sick and how to contact them. Be sure to tell health care providers that you are a close contact of someone with COVID-19.

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For more information, visit Public Health Ontario's self-isolation guide for caregivers, household members and close contacts.

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How can you protect yourself and your loved ones?

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To reduce the spread of germs including Influenza (flu), stomach bug (Norovirus) and the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Public Health recommends that you:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth unless you have just washed your hands with soap

• Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or into your arm, not your hand

• If possible, stay home if you are sick

• Avoid visiting people in hospitals or long-term care centres if you are sick

• Learn how you can help to stop the spread of germs and viruses.

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It is still recommended to get your flu shot if you haven’t already as the flu virus is still circulating in the community.

COVID-19 Vaccines

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In Ontario, vaccines are to be offered in phases according to patients most at risk and vaccine availability. While we may have to wait for a little – no one will be left behind.  Your vaccination is our highest priority. We are currently working closely with the Leeds Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit to identify those eligible for the next phase of vaccination.

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There is no need to call your doctor’s office as you will be contacted by your primary care providers office when your turn to be vaccinated arrives.

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Once you are contacted by your primary care provider you will receive information on how to schedule an appointment for your vaccination.

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For the most up to date information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and the roll out plan visit: https://healthunit.org/covid-19-vaccine/ or you can call the health unit at 1-800-660-5853 ext. 2100